Category: Design/Build

In the middle of the winter, enjoying your home’s outdoor spaces might be the furthest thing from your mind. But before you know it, the weather will warm up and you’ll have plenty of time to do just that. If it’s time to rebuild or add a porch, deck or other exterior element, remember this: […]

2018 is shaping up to be a big year for residential remodeling. Home values are up, which means it’s a good time to invest in your house by making key upgrades. Keep in mind, however, that not all remodeling projects offer a decent financial return on your investment (ROI). For instance, when the time comes […]

1. Establish a focal point. “Keep color, pattern, materials simple,” says Duggan. “Do not load up with details, but do introduce one element that is bold or intricate, such as an elaborate mirror or pendant fixture, to create a focal point. As well, original artwork can have a huge impact in a small space.” 2. […]

In the realm of remodeling, kitchens are king! Cooking space upgrades are the projects homeowners most hope to take on in the coming year, having usurped bathroom redos according to the National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index. While there’s a vast array of choice on the market now, designers and contractors do have […]

Would you like to be able to live in your current home for the rest of your life? With the older baby boomers now in their 70s, it’s a possibility more and more Americans are exploring. A recent AARP study found that “90 percent of people age 65 and over would prefer to stay in […]

New Englanders are known for being practical, so it’s fitting that mudrooms seem to be growing in popularity around here. We don’t have any hard statistics to back up this statement. But at Custom, we’re seeing a definite bump in inquiries from homeowners who value the functionality of a well-built mudroom. If your home is […]

From stately claw-foot tubs to sumptuous furnishings, bygone bathroom amenities from decades—or even centuries—past are winning over modern-day homeowners and making a comeback in residential bathrooms around the country. By Manasa Reddigari Claw-Foot Tub A popular accent in 19th century bathrooms, the claw-foot tub continues to make a splash today, valued for its classic silhouette, […]

Len and Judy Heinrich rightfully claim to be one of Custom’s longest-tenured clients. We completed our first project for them — a major renovation of their home on Hillsdale Road in Arlington — back in the early 1990s. Soon after, the couple had their first child and moved to a brand new colonial in Stoneham. […]

Sometimes we need to think outside the box…in this case, way outside. These homeowners needed more square footage, but didn’t have a level lot to work with. Without extending the existing basement, we added a full-length addition, including a deck, on high tech screw pile footings. The deck stairs lead down to a stone patio […]

Many people associate an interior renovation with an expansion of the home’s footprint. In fact, major remodeling projects frequently don’t involve building an addition, but rather reconfiguring the existing space in a better way. So if you’re feeling a little crowded in your home, a lack of square footage isn’t necessarily the issue. It could […]

When it comes to shelling out for renovations and fixes, homeowners have no shortage of options. So when is it smart to splurge and when is it foolish? From wiring to landscaping, here are a few foolproof ways to get the best home-improvement bang for your hard-earned buck—without suffering a case of buyer’s remorse. By […]

The average American is said to move every five to seven years. As that statistic suggests, you would be wise to think carefully about how you spend your renovation dollars. The odds are that in the not-so-distant future, you will be trying to recoup your expenditure when you’re getting ready to move on to your […]